About

Masaru Imada is a Japanese pianist and composer whose work spans hard bop, modal jazz, and fusion. His career timeline shows his central role in Japan’s jazz scene: from his early work in the 1970s to his prolific output on the Three Blind Mice label, where albums like “Green Caterpillar” established him as a leading voice in Japanese jazz piano. His trio work demonstrated technical command and a distinctive approach to post-bop piano that incorporated both American jazz tradition and Japanese musical elements. He collaborated extensively with Japanese jazz musicians including Isao Suzuki and Takeshi Inomata, while also working with visiting American artists. His leadership and sideman work on Three Blind Mice helped define the label’s sound during its most creative period. — (via Nerdy Jazz)

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Recorded in 1977 at Epicurus Studio, Tokyo, Now!! captures Masaru Imada in a dynamic quartet setting, channeling the exploratory post-bop sensibility that defined Three Blind Mice’s golden years. The album balances driving rhythmic passages with lyrical piano work and melodic horn lines, creating a deeply immersive listening experience. This reissue revives the original analog warmth and dynamic presence with meticulous Bernie Grundman mastering.  — (via Jazz Messengers)

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Now!! by Masaru Imada was the second album released by the fledgling Three Blind Mice label and the pianist's first leader album for the label. All four tunes are Imada's original compositions. The two slow numbers – "Nostalgia" and "The Shadow of the Castle" show his lyrical, "quiet but emotional," qualities. "Alter" is an adventurous tune whose focus is on free improvisation while "Gehi Dorian" is a modal composition as the title suggests. — (via SoundOhm)

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2025 Japan reissue
180g Vinyl Premium Limited Edition
Remastering & Cutting: Bernie Grundman
Original reprint liner notes

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Label: Three Blind Mice
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo
Reissued: 2025 / Original release: 1970
Genre: Jazz
Style: Modal, Free Improvisation, Post Bop

File under: Japanese Jazz // Three Blind Mice
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